In December of 2011, my niece Kelly gave me a book for my birthday. The book? The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I loved it. It really influenced how I approached 2012. It made me dissect happiness into little acts. I made a list of things I wanted to do in 2012 and hung it on the fridge to see every day. I actually achieved most of them. Some I exceeded. A few I’m still working on.
I read more, loved more, played more, laughed more, shared more. There were no material things on my list, because things don’t bring you happiness. When you wish for things, it’s not really the things you want, it’s what you think the things will bring you.
Some Memories from 2012
Running the Marathon
Running a marathon was a dream come true. I blogged about it for the PEI Marathon and Maritime Family Magazine, and I met and made a whack of great new friends. I ran over 1600 kilometres and loved every step. As much as I loved running it, I believe the joy in is the growing, not the knowing. In other words, we are happy when we are learning. I loved training with my running group all summer. It brought me more joy than the actual race. Connection is intrinsic to happiness. Running is also intrinsic. So running together is the perfect recipe for joy. Throw in all those endorphins and well, you get the picture. We had so much fun together. I loved it and highly recommend it! And in 2013 I’m looking forward to growing even more as a Marathon Instructor for The Running Room. This photo was taken after our 32km run from Dalvay-by-the-Sea to Charlottetown. After the photo was taken… I could barely stand back up. lol
More Time With Family
The Ogg-dashions. We are happiest when we are together. It’s always fun, and a little crazy. This year we had another fun family vacation here on PEI. My daughter-in-law Vanessa made these great videos for all of us to remember the fun we had; Home is Wherever I’m With You and Call Me Maybe. Love the videos Vanessa! Always lots of love and laughter.
Taking Photos, Photos, Photos!
I really love photography and in 2012 I wanted to spend more of my time taking photos. I took more photos and discovered a love for food photography. I also became a provincial photographer for the Department of Tourism here on Prince Edward Island. That was a huge goal for me for years so I was really happy about it. Another dream come true.
Give Back
I redesigned and donated a website to the SPCA Monteregie, something I had wanted to do for over a year. I am very grateful to the SPCA Monteregie for everything they do to help animals, and for my beautiful dogs Charlotte and Chester.
Losing Charlotte
Sadly one of the most memorable things that happened in 2012 was the loss of our dog Charlotte. She was my buddy. The dog that helped me raise my kids. The dog that loved me when I didn’t always love myself. She was a beautiful soul. I am so grateful to have had her in my life. She will always be with me. I still miss her every day.
What dreams do you have for 2013?
So now I’m thinking about what I want for 2013. I’ll have to make my list and stick it up on the fridge.
I hope your 2013 is filled with dreams come true, connection and friendship,
joy and happiness, laughter and love. That’s all that truly matters.
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